Travelling through Europe in winter is an unforgettable experience. Imagine snowy streets, festive lights and no summer crowds! Winter solo travelling gives you the freedom to meet new people and enjoy the cheaper, authentic and unhurried versions of the cities. Discover why packing light, finding the best hostels and exploring the Christmas Markets are key to a successful European Winter trip.
Winter Packing Tips for Europe
Keeping your suitcase minimal is key to moving around Europe with ease. Be sure to wear layers like thermal tops, jumpers and of course… a waterproof jacket! Use lighter and weatherproof shoes instead of bulky, winter shoes and don't forget to wear thick, warm, wool socks when it's really cold outside.
Travelling Alone in Winter
Don’t fret, you can find affordable (and fun) hostels all around Europe, that will not only keep you cosy, but allow you to make new friends. Most hostels that you will come by during the winter months will be buzzing with excitement, often boasting movie nights, communal dinners and other events to keep solo travellers connected. There are some perks to keeping cosy indoors!
Cheap and Smart Ways to Travel Around Europe in Winter
As Winter is mostly low-season, you can find better prices on trains, buses and flights. Midweek travel can be especially affordable and a good choice for solo travellers. Be sure to take your time and travel to the countryside, small towns and don’t miss out on the villages. You will find less tourists and traffic; and trust us, you won’t be disappointed by the picturesque towns in the winter months.
Best Winter Experiences and Christmas Markets in Europe
You can’t travel to Europe in winter without experiencing one of the many famous Christmas markets. There is nothing better than enjoying a glass of mulled wine (gluehwein) in Berlin, ice-skating in Prague and sipping roasted chestnuts in the winter wonderland of Vienna. The general atmosphere everywhere is joyful, even for those not in the holiday spirit.
Solo Traveller Tips for Meeting New People in Europe
Although you are travelling solo, you can easily find company. Many travellers are in hostels and there are usually lots of winter activities to do. You can easily join group activities like walking tours, pub crawls or cooking classes to meet like-minded travellers. There are plenty of opportunities to find a travel companion for the next leg of your trip.
How to Stay Safe on a Winter Trip
In winter, the days are shorter, so a little planning ahead can make a big difference. An essential part of offline navigation planning is ensuring your phone is charged and Google maps is downloaded prior to arriving at each destination. Europe is safe, but it is always sensible for solo travellers to inform a friend or family about their itinerary. Keeping a structured timetable means you can relax and take your time- which is especially important on shorter trips, so you can enjoy every minute and avoid the anxiety of planning the next step.
Why Slower Travel Works Best in Winter
During winter travel, the goal is not to simply check off a list of landmarks, but to take the time to relax and appreciate the atmosphere. There is no rush in the winter months, so you should enjoy reading a book in a cafe, spending the morning in a museum or simply strolling through a peaceful snow-covered park.